Blomfield Warns of Student Visa Changes

Responding to a Government report that their changes to overseas student visa requirements will cost the British economy a "shocking" £2.4 billion, Paul Blomfield MP has urged the Government to think again.

Mr Blomfield, who has secured a Westminster Hall debate on student visas on Thursday, said the Government’s student visa reforms go too far and risk damaging Britain’s universities and the economy.

Paul Blomfield MP said: "Our world-class universities and colleges attract the best and brightest international students to study here, contributing an estimated £40 billion to the UK economy.

"We should clamp down on bogus colleges, but the Government’s ideologically-driven reforms go too far. By discouraging able and bona fide students, the Government will reduce vital fee income, damage the research capabilities of our universities and hit the economy hard.

"International students contribute over £160 million each year to Sheffield’s local economy. By cutting student numbers the Government is damaging growth and jobs at a time when we can least afford it."

"On Thursday afternoon I’ve secured a debate on the issue of student visas, at which I’ll be asking Ministers to reconsider their policy in the light of the revelation that it will cost the British economy a shocking £2.4 billion."